News Briefs - May 13

A six-win day for Dexter at the Big M, Francent's winning farewell,  Firsties heading south and the opening day of the NZB Weanling sale all feature in this week's News Briefs.

DD wins six at The Big M

Champion Kiwi driver Dexter Dunn's had his best day at the Meadowlands this year with six winners on the programme, including a winning double in the New Jersey Sire Stakes series for three-year-old pacers. Hot favourite Be Perfect BG made it seven wins from as many starts by winning in 1:50.8 by two lengths while Sonofanutcracker led throughout to win in 1:50. It was his fourth win in eight starts. Dunn's six wins came from the first 10 races on the card. Dunn, a five-time Driver of the year in North America, has now had 27 wins in 2026 from 115 starts.

Francent's winning finale

While Oscar Bonavena went close to the fairytale finish in the Rowe Cup, Francent went one better in her last New Zealand start before heading to North America. She overcome a wide draw to win the Charles Roberts NISBA Stakes Mobile at Alexandra Park on Friday night by nearly two lengths. It was her third win in a row. Bred by Bob Higgins and raced by a syndicate of family members, the Vincent five-year-old mare won 13 from 29 starts and nearly $300,000. She will head to Jacques Dupont's stables in Canada. Oscar Bonavena, one of the modern day trotting greats in this country, was second to Mr Love in the Rowe Cup. He has raced every year since 2018, with 36 wins from 108 starts and $1.4m in stakes. His focus will now be on stallion duties.

Alfeld hits 50

Ricky Alfeld reined home his 50th career winner when Sans Repos, trained by daughter Danni, won the Gary McCormick Transport Ltd Pace at Ashburton on Sunday.  He brought up the milestone from 893 drives. His first winner, as a junior driver, was with Nomad in 1984.  Alfeld has also trained 39 winners on his own account including Aldebaran Floss when she won the New Zealand Trotting Oaks at Addington in 2021.  

Brigades to the fore

The charge of the "Trigirl" Brigade will continue at Addington this Friday. Last Friday it was Iron Brigade (Art Major - Trigirl Brigade) who chalked up his eighth career win to carry on the success of his full brother Bruntwood Brigade who had his eighth win this year at Rangiora in April. He remains the "winningest" horse in the country this year. Bruntwood Brigade is a four-year-old who was bought for $30,000 at the 2022 NZB National Weanling Sales and his stakes currently stand at $133,00+ while Iron Brigade was bought by Stonewall Stud at the 2022 Karaka Yearling Sale for $67,500. He is a 5YO and has now won $122,872. Both are half brothers to former top liner and three-time Kaikoura Cup winner Classie Brigade and will line up against each other in Friday night's $50,000 Betavet Uncut Gems Geldings and Entires Classic at Addington (9.06pm).

Firsties set for southern debut

Harness racing's brand new campaign to encourage race-goers to get on-track is heading to Southland for the first time. The concept for Firsties is simple - bring a friend along and experience the trots together. Events have already been held at Alexandra Park, Addington and Methven and this Sunday it's Invercargill's turn. It will run from 1-4pm in a dedicated area at Ascot Park.

To see more after the event or to register your interest click here

National Weanling Sale Catalogue now live

Bidding at the NZB Standardbred’s 2026 National Online Weanling Sale starts today. A total of 44 yearlings will be up for sale on standardbred.gavelhouse.com. Bidding will continue for a week through to 6pm Wednesday May 20.

To see the catalogue click here

UFC champ a winner in the sulky  

UFC champion Charles Oliveira is clearly no mug when it comes to driving horses. The 36-year-old Brazilian MMA fighter has won his first pari mutuel race in the United States. His victory came with Ben Solo in Philadelphia in 1:51.4. Recently the lightweight champion said of harness racing -  "I love the sport and want to do this for the rest of my life."